Multi-Channel Magnetic Pretreatment for Parallel Pipetting and Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic particle-based reaction testing systems have complex and bulky structures due to their cleaning and mixing mechanisms, leading to high costs, maintenance expenses, and inefficiencies in sample transfer and pipetting.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel parallel pretreatment device with active magnetic separation and transfer capabilities, utilizing magnetic rods and disposable sleeves, integrated with drive devices for precise pipetting and mixing, eliminating the need for complex structures and enabling automated sample handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional magnetic separation and cleaning mechanisms are used, then magnetic particle separation can be achieved, but the structure becomes complex and bulky with high cost and maintenance expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (magnetic separation, cleaning, mixing, and pipetting) into a single integrated magnetic separation and transfer device. The magnetic rod assembly serves both separation and mixing functions, while the loading head integrates pipetting and transfer capabilities, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic rod assembly performs multiple functions: magnetic particle separation from liquid, mixing of reagents, and transfer of magnetic particles between containers. The loading head simultaneously handles pipetting, transfer, and positioning operations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining reliable magnetic separation
2Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning mechanisms with dedicated liquid passage systems are used, then cleaning function is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the magnetic separation process. The same magnetic rod assembly used for separation also performs mixing and cleaning by rotating to resuspend magnetic particles. The loading head integrates pipetting and transfer functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated liquid passage systems and reducing structural complexity
3Productivity
If active magnetic separation with magnetic rods is used, then separation efficiency improves, but the device requires complex drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic rod assembly performs periodic rotation to achieve magnetic particle separation, mixing, and resuspension. The periodic motion allows the same component to perform multiple functions (separation when stationary, mixing when rotating) without requiring complex mechanisms, maintaining high separation efficiency while simplifying the drive system
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic rod assembly serves multiple purposes: separating magnetic particles from liquid, mixing reagents, and transferring particles between containers. This multi-functionality allows a single drive mechanism to control all operations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity
4Productivity
If multi-channel parallel pipetting is implemented, then sample transfer efficiency improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The loading head is divided into multiple channels, each with its own pipette tip, allowing parallel pipetting operations. Each channel can independently perform pipetting and transfer functions, increasing sample transfer efficiency while keeping each individual channel simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pipetting channels are integrated into a single loading head assembly that is controlled by a unified drive system. The magnetic rod assembly works in coordination with all channels simultaneously, enabling multi-channel parallel operations without requiring separate complex control mechanisms for each channel
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device simplifies the magnetic separation process, enhances separation efficiency, and achieves high-precision pipetting, reducing complexity and cost while improving automation and reliability, suitable for point-of-care testing applications.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic rods that are configured to adsorb magnetic beads in the magnetic particle reagent
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel parallel pretreatment device includes a magnetic separation and transfer device and a first drive device. The magnetic separation and transfer device includes a second mounting bracket provided therein with an injector chamber. A mounting plate is provided above the top of the injector chamber and is provided with multiple piston rods that are connected to the injector chamber in a movable and sealing manner. The second mounting bracket is further provided thereon with a second drive device. The injector chamber is provided with loading heads that have a hollow structure. The piston rods have free ends that are provided with magnetic rods. The second drive device can drive the magnetic rods on the piston rods to pass through the loading heads. The first drive device and the second drive device realize the reciprocation of the loading heads.